If the Shotgun is the heart of any loadout, the AR is the backbone. It may not be the star, but without it everything would fall apart. That being said it's interesting how unknowingly complex the AR is.

When it comes to ARs you are either in the Three Burst camp or the M4 camp (with the Scoped AR being a neutral party). Is this distinction just personal preference? Does it matter which AR you take in any given scenario? Is one better than the other? For most players the answer to these questions is a resounding "I don't know". As stated above, the complexities of the AR seem to willing go unnoticed.

The Three Burst

Damage Numbers (highest rarity)

• 30 per shot ~ 90 per burst
• 1.75 Fire Rate (burst per second)
• 121.9 DPS
• 30~20 Environmental damage per shot (depending on range and damage fall off)

The M4

Damage Numbers (highest rarity)

• 33 per shot
• 5.5 Fire Rate (shots per second)
• 181 DPS
• 33~22 Environmental damage per shot (depending on range and damage fall off)

So what do these rough statistics mean? Well, essentially the point is that the Three Burst deals more damage to players while the M4 deals more damage to structures. Even though the M4 has a higher total DPS, this doesn't take into account the fact that you have to hit your target. In just one click of the mouse the Three Burst can deal upwards of 90 damage. On the other hand, the M4 is a lot stronger at tearing down structures. Even if the burst can quickly deal 90 damage to a wall, by the time you get to shoot again the wall has healed up some of that HP. Meanwhile, the M4 can spam so quickly you can effectively demolish walls and weave bullets between them to hit the player behind them, trying to build.

Ok.. so how does this pertain to the question of is one better than the other? Simply put, no, one is not really better than the other. Choosing whether to roll with the Three Burst or M4 is decided by what else you have in your loadout. If your loadout lacks siege (Grenade Launcher, Rocket Launcher, etc.) it's in your best interest to take the M4 so you can at least have something to spam down buildings. If you have siege, but no range, the Three Burst is the one for you.

This being said, it's still ok to have a personal preference between the two.

With the addition of a new legendary AR to rival the Scar, sometimes the decision really can be as simple as, "Nah, I'm not really feeling the Scar today." Playing the game the most optimal way is important. What's even more important is playing the game you are most comfortable with. If you feel you are useless with a Three Burst, don't pick one up. Good building can round out an uneven loadout. So if you're ever caught in a decision between the two ARs remember to choose wisely. Play to your strengths, the game's strengths, and sprinkle in some of your preferences for good measure.

Like our content? Support us by getting our merchandise in our shop